THE JUNKYARD
THE JUNKYARD
by Margaret Houghton
Time: the early 1950's
CHARACTERS:
SAM: an elderly European man.
He has lived in Australia
since before World War 11 and
works as a scrap dealer.
THOMAS: A friend of Sam's
with whom he lives.
FREEMAN: A man whom Sam takes
in.
MICK COLEMAN: next door
neighbor to Sam and Thomas.
MRS COLEMAN: Mick's mother
FADE IN:
FIRE CRACKLING. PEOPLE
RUNNING AND SCREAMING.
MACHINE-GUNFIRE. SILENCE.
EXT. SAM'S LIVING QUARTERS
DAY
A Scrap yard. wooden crates.
scraps of iron and metal.
INT. SLEEPING QUARTERS
DISSOLVE TO:
Sofa. Blankets on the floor,
etc. A small kitchen, very
bare. The feel of poverty.
EXT. SAM'S YARD DUSK
DISSOLVE TO:
There is the smoky smell of
burning off. The smell of
early summer. The sky is
pink.
MICK'S VOICE(COMING
FROM NEXT DOOR)
When are you going
to move that bloody
rubbish?
The yard is stacked with
various kinds of items.
Furniture, rugs, papers,
crockery, clothing.
Sam and Thomas carry in some
rather heavy scrap. A wire
mattress with a wooden base,
which they drop on the
ground.
THOMAS
They don't like us,
do they?
Sam's yard has many large
shady trees the leaves of
which cover the ground so
that there is always a
crunching sound when people
walk on them.
MICK'S VOICE (COMING
FROM NEXT DOOR)
D'ya hear me or are
ya deaf as well as
daft?
SAM
Yes, yes, I hear
you.
MICK'S VOICE
Well bloody well do
somethin' about it
then!
SAM
I can't do anything
this minute.
MICK'S VOICE
Bloody foreigners!
What ya want ta come
'ere for?
Mick is sitting on the ground
by the cyclone fence
separating the two
properties, tired from binge
drinking the night before.
SAM (FLAPPING HIS
HANDS)
Bah!
MICK'S VOICE
Well. if at least
half that junk's not
gone by this Friday,
right? I'm goin' to
the police, that's
what!
SAM
Not a bad load
today,eh, Thomas?
THOMAS
No, not bad. But I
wish he don't sing
out to us like that.
Enough insults in my
life.
MICK'S VOICE
It stinks! Ya all
stink!
Mick sucks on long pieces of
grass.
THOMAS
He drunk again,
Sam.
SAM
Yes, of course he
is. Should be used
to it by now,
Thomas.
THOMAS
Why he so angry?
SAM
Because he drinks.
You know that,
Thomas.
Sound of breaking glass.
THOMAS
He throwing bottles?
SAM
Yes, yes, probably
at the cat!
THOMAS
Sam, here is a man
coming. I think he
comes in here. It's
not Mick.
SAM
I hope not!
Sound of heavy footsteps
crunching on the leaves. Joe
Freeman strides into the
yard. He is tall, fairly well
built, slightly gray and has
a detectable European accent.
He is an outline against the
overcast sky.
FREEMAN
Good God! What's
this? Rubbish
everywhere! What is
this place?
THOMAS(MUMBLING)
A scrap yard
FREEMAN
It's more like a
rubbish tip!
SAM
What do you want?
FREEMAN
What do you do with
this junk?
SAM
We sell it.
FREEMAN
Sell it? Who would
buy any of this
rubbish?
SAM
I ask you, what you
want?
FREEMAN
Who do you sell it
to? It's all good
for nothing.
THOMAS
People buy scrap.
iron and metal.
Thomas runs his hand over a
piece of scrap which glints
when the sun shines on it.
FREEMAN
I don't really
believe you!
SAM
Look, I ask you
what you want, and
if I can't help you,
you go.
FREEMAN (QUIETER)
I'm looking for
something...that's
right.
SAM
Then what is it
you're looking for?
If I can help you I
will.
FREEMAN
I don't think so
(Beat)
Freeman stands staring
awhile.
SAM
(senses Freeman
has a problem)
Do you know why you
came in here.
Freeman is still staring.
SAM(CONTD)
What's your name?
Freeman shakes his head.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. HOSPITAL DAY
FLASHBACK
NURSE
What is your name?
(beat)
Do you remember your
name?
(beat)
Try to remember
Freeman is tossing and
turning in the bed as if
trying to get away.
DI0
EXT. SAM'S YARD DUSK
SAM
Would you like to
sit down?
Freeman sits on a box and
puts his head in his hands.
SAM
Would you like a cup
of coffee?
Freeman doesn't answer.
THOMAS
What's wrong with
him?
SAM
I don't know,
Thomas.
(to Freeman)
What's your name?
FREEMAN
You can call me
Freeman...that will
do for now.
SAM
How d'you mean that
will do?
FREEMAN
I mean I don't know,
damn it! Frei -
mann - Freeman in
English. It was the
obvious choice
(half to himself)
I was free...
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. A CAMP DAY
FLASHBACK
Images of barbed wire, guards
with bayonets. Men working,
breaking rocks, guards
hitting them.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SAM'S YARD DUSK
FREEMAN(CONTD.)
No guards, no barbed
wire,
(beat)
no torture.
SAM
You haven't been in
jail or anything,
have you? I mean all
this stuff is
valuable to us. We
don't want anyone
stealing it!
FREEMAN
No! I haven't been
in jail, jail!
Jail's a hotel! and
as for stealing this
muck...
SAM
Scrap! And it is
always scrap as long
as it belongs to me!
MICK (Peering over
the fence)
Shut up! You lousy
wogs! Can't get any
bloody peace 'round
'ere
FREEMAN
Who is that?
THOMAS
The man next door.
Always sing out.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. CAMP DAY
FLASHBACK
Guard shouting out and
hitting Freeman across the
head.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SAM'S YARD DAY
SAM
You have some work
(beat)
Freeman?
FREEMAN
No. None.
THOMAS
I go and make us a
coffee.
Thomas goes inside.
SAM
What did you mean,
you were a 'free
man'? Free from
what?
FREEMAN
Free to do what I
want for once in my
life.
SAM
What stopped you
before?
FREEMAN
The war...
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. STREET DAy
FLASHBACK
Freeman and others being
arrested and herded into a
paddy waggon.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SAM'S YARD DUSK
SAM
Always the
same...the war and
you say you don't
remember your name?
FREEMAN
No. I have no idea
who I am.
SAM
I don't doubt what
you say.
FREEMAN
I'd rather not talk
about it.
(half to himself)
The wretched
hospital was nearly
as bad as the camp.
MICK (OTHER SIDE OF
FENCE)
For Christ's sake
turn that fuckin'
light out. I'm sure
goin' to the police
in the mornin'. I
can't bloody well
stand anymore of
this! Bloody yids!
Freeman makes one rush at the
rusty cyclone fence and
hoists himself up.
MICK
Who the hell are
you? No, don't tell
me, not another one!
Junk. He sure
collects junk only
this time it's human
junk, I think.
FREEMAN
You bloody idiot!
What would you know?
You rotten scum!
MICK
They should of got
rid of you lot ages
ago! It's a pity the
Krauts didn't finish
the job proper!
FREEMAN
If I come over this
fence...
MICK
You come over here
and you're a dead
man. I'll knock ya
block off!
FREEMAN
Knock my block off?
That's been tried
dozens of times and
it's still on my
shoulders.
MICK
Yer? More's the
pity! Now if I'd
been in the war...A
guard in one of
those places you go
on about...I could
have thought of
plenty more ways to
get rid of the
vermin!
Freeman attempts to climb
over the fence. He's
breathing heavily.
SAM
Freeman! Come back
here!
FREEMAN
No, I have work to
do!
SAM
No! No! We don't
want to make
trouble. Come on, we
don't take any
notice of him.
Please come back.
Freeman climbs down.
MICK
Can't stand up fa
yaself! Ha! Mad Sam!
That's what people
call 'im Mad Sam!
SAM
That's better. He's
not worth the
bother.
Freeman sits on a box and
begins crying.
SAM
Just take it easy
now. After a sleep
you'll be right in
the morning.
FREEMAN
Where's your
friend?
SAM
I told him to go to
bed and forget the
coffee.He got a bit
scared when you were
arguing but he'll be
all right.
FREEMAN
I should go now.
Wasted enough time
already.
SAM
You waste time? What
about me? We work,
work, work, Finding
and carrying heavy
things... some
neighbors think we
do nothing.
FREEMAN
I meant I waste your
time. I forget
sometimes what I
want to say.
SAM
Where're you going
now?
FREEMAN
It's not your worry.
I'll find
somewhere.
SAM
Would you like to
stay here?
FREEMAN
Here?
SAM
You don't think it's
good enough?
FREEMAN
Of course it is, but
I should go.
SAM
Where d'you live?
FREEMAN
Live? I live now, I
live anywhere I can
be free.
Freeman looks blank for a
moment.
SAM
Look we have a
couple of mattresses
in the shed. We can
get one out and you
can stay here. Come
on.
Freeman is still staring.
SAM(CONTD)
Come along now.
FREEMAN
Eh? Where is this?
SAM
Never mind, you come
and help me get the
mattress.
Freeman follows Sam.
EXT. SAM'S YARD NEAR DARK
Mrs Coleman pulls up in a car
outside Sam's yard. She sits
awhile and looks at it and
shakes her head. She gets
out. She's dressed in red
with black patent leather
high heeled shoes and bag to
match. She's very cautious
where she treads.
MRS COLEMAN
Sam! Sam!
SAM
What is it, Mrs
Coleman?
MRS COLEMAN
Where's Mick?
SAM
He's certainly not
in here. He said he
was going to the
police. Perhaps
that's where he is.
MRS COLEMAN
It's too late in the
day for that, you
silly man!
SAM
If he didn't drink
so much he'd be
better.
MRS COLEMAN
Yes, well living
next door to you
doesn't help. Anyone
might take to the
drink!
Mrs Coleman gets out of the
car and goes into Mick's
place.
EXT. MICK'S FRONT YARD
NIGHT
Mick's yard is run down,
dilapidated and covered with
weeds. Mick is sitting on the
front verandah with a bottle
of beer.
MICK
Mum! What you doin'
'ere?
MRS COLEMAN
I'm seeing the agent
tomorrow. I rang you
but there was no
answer.
MICK
Thank God you're
gettin' onto it at
last.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SAM'S YARD NIGHT
FREEMAN
Who's that woman?
SAM
The man next door's
mother - she's as
bad as he is. I
think she encourages
him.
Sam and Freeman enter an old
and come out carrying a
mattress.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. SAM'S HOUSE LATER THAT
NIGHT
All is quite. Sam, Thomas and
Freeman are asleep in the
same room on mattresses on
the floor.
Freeman is tossing and
turning.
DISSOLVE TO
INT. HOSPITAL NIGHT
FLASHBACK
FREEMAN
Ruth!...Ruth! It's
Joe.
(he sits up)
Your painting...I
slashed it!
MATRON
Come along...
FREEMAN
Not the quiet room?
No! No!...not in
there, remember too
much...
(he falls back
putting his
hands over his
face)
Bloody bitch!
(Sits up
(beat)
That matron!
(beat)
Leave me alone!
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. SAM'S HOUSE NIGHT
THOMAS
What the matter with
him?
SAM
It seems he's having
a nightmare. I think
he's gone back to
sleep.
A very faint light appears in
the corner of the room.
FREEMAN
Ruth? It's Joe. Your
painting...I'm
sorry. It was all
you had left. We
friends? I see you,
Ruth...through the
wire...I see you
working like a
man...Where you get
the strength, eh?
(louder)
Bastards!
DISSOLVE TO:
FLASHBACK
Ruth digging with a shovel
with some other women. A
female guard comes and swipes
her and pushes her knocking
her off balance so that she
nearly falls into the hole.
GUARD
Ha! You fall into
your own grave.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. SAM'S HOUSE NIGHT
The small light goes out.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. THE CAMP DAY
FLASHBACK
Joe watches Ruth carrying a
heavy load. She's nearly
falling. A woman guard gives
her a push. She falls and the
woman gives her a kick, pulls
her to her feet, smacks her
across the face.
GUARD
Get on with your
work, swine!
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
ROOM DAY
FLASHBACK
Ruth is painting at an easel.
FREEMAN
What the hell's
that?
RUTH
It's called
'Freedom'.
FREEMAN
Freedom be buggared!
What the hell would
you or anyone here
know about freedom?
RUTH
Why don't you try
doing something, you
might feel better?
FREEMAN
Bloody hell! I just
want to get away
from this place!
Freeman picks up a sharp
edged painting knife and
slashes Ruth's painting. Two
orderlies lurch forward and
grab him.
FREEMAN
Let go of me, you
bastards!
RUTH
Let go of him! Don't
you think he's had
enough of that
treatment for the
last four years?
ORDERLEY 1
Sorry, sweetheart,
the Doc's not goin'
to be too pleased
with what he's done
to your work!
RUTH
To hell with the
doctor! Let go of
him at once! Ruth
picks up a bottle of
turpentine and
throws it at the
orderly.
ORDERLY 1
Oh! My eyes! You
little bitch!
The orderly is about to grab
Ruth when the Matron enters.
MATRON
What's going on in
here? What happened
to that painting?
Take Him to the
quiet room at once..
FREEMAN
No! No!
DISSOLVE TO:
INT.SAM'S AND THOMAS'
SLEEPING QUARTERS NIGHT
THOMAS
I think he dream
again.
SAM
I wonder what
happened to Ruth.
THOMAS
I think he starts
again.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT THE HOSPITAl DAY
FLASHBACK
The orderlies seize Freeman,
who struggles violently. He
breaks free and runs down a
corridor.
ORDERLY 1
Let him go, silly
bastard. You'd
better let the doc
see your eye. That
little bitch should
be punished too.
ORDERLY 2
Oh, they're all a
bit troppo after
their experiences!
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. SAM'S SLEEPING QUARTERS
NIGHT
Freeman is sitting up.
SAM
That was a bad one.
THOMAS
Did they lock you
up?
FREEMAN
No. I couldn't have
stood it. I had
survived that far,
God knows.
SAM
So you ran away from
the hospital?
FREEMAN
Yes. I don't think
they ever looked for
me.
THOMAS
What happen to Ruth?
FREEMAN
I never saw her
again.
THOMAS
She dead?
FREEMAN
I don't know, but
I'd do anything to
see her again. Only
when I sleep she
comes to me.
SAM
You said 'It's Joe'.
FREEMAN
Did I?
Sudden sound of a thud, then
another, then the sound of
breaking glass.
THOMAS
Ah! The bottles!
Sam gets up and goes to the
door, then returns.
SAM
You're right. He's
throwing his empties
over the fence.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. MICK'S BACKYARD EARLY
MORNING
Mick is sitting by the
cyclone fence still swigging
from a bottle of beer.
MICK
Shut up! You bloody
bastards! I can't
get any sleep around
here! If you don't
fuckin well shut up,
the police will be
here very soon - and
the council. Me
Ma'll see to that!
EXT. THE STREET EARLY
MORNING
Mrs Coleman is sitting
outside Mick's house in her
car. Mick is in his weed
covered garden, drunk and
barely able to stand. Mrs
Coleman is speaking to him
from the car window.
MRS COLEMAN
Mick! You come home
with me immediately!
MICK
Go away, Mum. No,
I'm not comin' with
ya.
MRS COLEMAN
Keep your voice
down, or I won't do
what you want!
MICK
OK I'll be quiet
then.
MRS COLEMAN
And don't talk to
that lot next door!
MICK
Yes, yes I'll leave
the wogs alone. I'm
goin' inside. God ya
can't do nothin'
even in ya own
house! It's all the
bloody wogs fault.
MRS COLEMAN
Mitchell!
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. SAM'S HOUSE MORNING
FREEMAN
Now what's
happening?
THOMAS
Sometime his mother
stay there with him.
FREEMAN
Sleep, let's sleep.
THOMAS
You might see Ruth.
SAM
Sleep! It's time to
get up.
EXT. SAM'S YARD LATE
AFTERNOON
Thomas and Freeman enter the
yard each carrying a brass
bed-end.
FREEMAN
Give me that bed-
end, Thomas!
THOMAS
Why?
FREEMAN
Because it's mine!
THOMAS
No it's not. I find
this end.
FREEMAN
The two ends make a
bed. I found the
head end first so
it's mine.
THOMAS
I find the bottom
end and it's scrap!
FREEMAN
(shouting)
One end is no good
without the other!
THOMAS
It is to me!
Freeman makes a grab at it.
Sam comes out of the front
door.
SAM
What's all the
shouting for?
FREEMAN
(still grabbing)
It's mine!
THOMAS
It's brass and I
sell it.
SAM
What you arguing
about?
FREEMAN
(ignoring Sam)
Not this time. It's
too good for
rubbish. I found
this and it's
certainly not junk
or scrap and I will
have it.
Freeman makes another grab.
Both men fall down. Thomas
lies still.
SAM
(laughing)
It serves you both
right. Just like
children you are.
Freeman is also lying
still.Suddenly he moves.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. A FORREST DAY
FLASHBACK
It's dark because of the
dense trees.
FREEMAN
(Crawling over
to another man)
Jacob! We got to get
away from here.
Freeman and Jacob are dressed
in striped blue and grey
shirts and trousers,
resembling pyjamas
He pulls at Jacob's collar.
JACOB
Mm
FREEMAN
If they catch us
it's the end...I
die. Please come
with me. You are the
only one who knows
about me.
Believing that Jacob is dead,
Freeman takes a gold
medallion from around Jacob's
neck and puts it on himself.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SAM'S YARD DAY
THOMAS
What are you doing?
What are you talking
about?
Freeman sits up and looks
around him.
FREEMAN
Who am I? Where am
I? How did I get
here?
Thomas gets up and puts his
hand on Freeman's shoulder.
FREEMAN(CONTD)
Leave me alone! Keep
your bloody bed-
end.I'll find one
myself and I'll sell
it in one piece.
Freeman goes inside angrily.
THOMAS
I don't understand
him, Sam.
SAM
Naturally he's a bit
hard to understand.
(beat)
Maybe he's not used
to working with
other people.
(beat)
Thomas, you were in
a concentration
camp.
THOMAS
Oh, yes. I don't
like to remember it.
SAM
You still have the
number on your arm?
THOMAS
Yes, Sam.
SAM
Freeman doesn't have
a number.
THOMAS
No? I never look.
Too many bad
memories...
SAM
There's something I
can't make out about
him.
THOMAS
I think he want to
sell things. Not
just
scrap...furniture.He
not very interested
in finding scrap. He
so impatient some
dealers tell him 'go
away' and not come
back.
`
INT. AUCTION ROOMS DAY
There is quite a crowd,
mostly dealers, besides
ordinary buyers. The lot is a
bedroom suite.
AUCTIONEER
Lot number 7, the
bedroom suite.Do I
hear 20 dollars,
yes? 25? Yes? 30?
Anymore? Mr Freeman
you Bid $30.00?
FREEMAN
I didn't bloody well
bid at all!
AUCTIONEER
You raised your
hand.
FREEMAN
Shit! I did no such
thing. I don't want
ya fuckin bedroom
suite!
AUCTIONEER
You bid, sir!
FREEMAN
I bloody didn't bid!
AUCTIONEER
Freeman, I think
you'd better leave.
FREEMAN
With pleasure. Who'd
buy that muck for
$30.00 anyway?
AUCTIONEER
You needn't bother
returning, either.
FREEMAN
Come on, Thomas.
Don't worry we
wouldn't dream of
returning! To hell
With you and your
lousy furniture!
DISSOLVE TO
EXT. SAM'S YARD DAY
Freeman comes out, still a
bit disturbed.
FREEMAN
Thomas...I'm sorry.
THOMAS
No worry.
FREEMAN
No. You found the
bed end first.
THOMAS
So you find one end,
I find one. No worry
SAM
Ah! The bed! The
bed! We have more to
talk about than the
bed.
(beat)
Who was Jacob?
FREEMAN
What?
SAM
While you were
dreaming you called
Thomas Jacob?
FREEMAN
(anxious)
Did I?
SAM
Yes. When you both
fell down you --
FREEMAN
(beat)
He was just someone
I knew.
THOMAS
You run away
together?
FREEMAN
(uneasy)
I said that too?
SAM
You wanted him to go
with you. What
happened to him?
FREEMAN
In the forrest there
were bodies hanging
from trees. It was
like a valley of
bones.
SAM
You said he was the
only one who knew
about you?
FREEMAN
(angry)
Secret? I don't know
what you're talking
about.
THOMAS
Yes, you say that,
Freeman.
FREEMAN
(more angry)
No! You must have
heard wrong! Shut
up, will you? You
don't bloody know
what you're talking
about, either of
you!
SAM
Sorry to ask more
questions, but how
did you get here, to
this country?
FREEMAN
Christ! Does it
matter now?
SAM
No. Not so much.
FREEMAN
If you must know, I
blacked out. I woke
up in a hospital.
There was an
American soldier
there named
Gordon...
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. THE HOSPITAL DAY
FLASHBACK
GORDON
Hi, there, buddy.
How ya goin?
FREEMAN
Don't even know
where I am.
GORDON
I'd say you're in
Poland, man.
FREEMAN
No! Not still in
this foul place!
I'll be killed!
GORDON
Say, the bang bang
war's all over now,
thank God. You look
as if you've Been
through the wringer!
FREEMAN
I must get away from
here!
GORDON
We're going back to
the States, we could
drop you off where
ya wanna go.
FREEMAN
That'd be a Godsend.
When are you
leaving?
GORDON
Tonight.
FREEMAN
How will I get out?
GORDON
Can ya walk?
FREEMAN
Yes.
GORDON
When it's all quiet
we'll come for Ya,
right?
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. THE SHIP IN DOCK. DAY
FLASHBACK
GORDON
I guess this is it,
then. Will ya be OK?
Freeman makes his way down
the gangplank waving back.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SAM'S YARD DAY
FREEMAN
They got me on
board. No one knew.
I wasn't that sick,
just a bit under
weight.
SAM
No one knew you came
here? You came here
illegally then?
FREEMAN
So what? I'd
survived that far.
What was I to do,
stay there and be
caught and killed?
SAM
What country did you
come from?
FREEMAN
Why all these bloody
questions?
SAM
I also came here
without a passport.
I had to come
hurriedly, I knew
what was coming. The
authorities here
found out and I
spent some time in
jail.
FREEMAN
Are you going to
tell the authorities
about me, then?
SAM
(shakes his head)
Were you in Germany?
FREEMAN
Poland...
SAM
Did they catch you?
FREEMAN
Yes. But I
escaped...with
Jacob. They shot
Jacob. I laid low,
then I changed my
clothes for his.He
wore a gold
medallion around his
neck.
SAM
I'm sorry, Freeman,
but there are some
things that are
still puzzling me.
FREEMAN:
Stretching out both
his arms. Like
this?
SAM
I wondered about
that, yes.
FREEMAN
They caught up with
me again. I was
wearing Jacob's gold
icon....I wasn't who
I really was, I was
someone else and no
one knew.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. A FORREST DAY
FLASHBACK
Freeman is running through
the forrest. Suddenly he is
pushed to the ground, pulled
to his feet and marched away
by two guards and pushed into
a van. There are also others
in the van. It stops and the
people are pulled out and
marched into a camp. Freeman
and two others are told to
stand on the right. The other
six are stood on the left.
Freeman tries to stand with
the six. He is rifle butted
and pushed back to the other
side. The six are machine
gunned. A guard takes Freeman
to a shed where he makes him
strip. The guard mauls him
and caresses the icon working
his way down Freeman's body.
Freeman is uncooperative and
the guard digs a gun into his
side.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. SAM'S HOUSE EARLY
MORNING
FREEMAN
They didn't kill
me... I was allowed
to live...all
because of a small
gold icon... I'm
alive
(beat)
But in a way it was
a death.
SAM
I'm sorry
A FEW HOURS LATER
THOMAS
Sam, Freeman's gone.
SAM
Has he? Well, we'd
better get going
very soon.
THOMAS
Sales on, Sam?
SAM
Quite a few.
THOMAS
I bring the truck
around?
Thomas gets up and goes
outside and soon returns.
THOMAS
Sam, there's no
truck!
SAM
You mean he's taken
our truck?
EXT. SAM'S YARD SAME MORNING
Sam and Thomas go out to
find Mick in the yard
throwing bottles around and
smashing some of the
furniture.
SAM
What d'you think
you're doing?
MICK
What's it fuckin
look like. Gettin'
rid of this putrid
muck!
He hurls a bottle at a
mirror.
SAM
I'm calling the
police at once!
MICK
Ya not even on the
phone, ya wog!
Sam leaves, making his way to
the telephone booth in the
street.
Thomas creeps out from behind
a shed. Mick turns around and
grabs him by the collar.
THOMAS
No! Please, help me,
Sam!
MICK
(Slowly and menacingly)
Sam's not here...
THOMAS
Please let me go...
MICK
Oh, no, I couldn't
do that...Now,
Thomas, my little
wog, you're all
alone with me.
He has Thomas around the neck
MICK(CONTD)
Just a little harder
and snap!
THOMAS
No! Please stop. I
done nothing to you.
MICK
Ah! But you have!
THOMAS
Ouch! What I do?
MICK
You come here to my
country! You bloody
wog!
THOMAS
Ouch!
MICK
Yid! Worm!
(slowly, creepily)
You're sub-
human...not even a
person...that's what
they said, didn't
they?
THOMAS
I...don't...
(nearly choking)
know...
Mick has Thomas firmly in his
grasp. He picks up a stone
and bashes it against Thomas'
forehead. Thomas cries out
and goes limp.
Freeman comes through the
gate pushing a treadle sewing
machine.
FREEMAN (VO)
Ah! This could bring
a good price when
Thomas fixes it up.
He sees Thomas lying on the
ground
FREEMAN(CONTD.)
Good God! Who did
this? Sam! Sam!
Thomas has a large gash on
his forehead.
Sound of a police car. Sam
returns.
SAM
What's happened?
Thomas, are you
alright? My God!
Did Mick do this?
FREEMAN
Who else? He's out
cold.
SAM
Thomas? Can you hear
me? That's a nasty
cut on your
forehead.
THOMAS
(Thomas groans
and opens his
eyes)
No! No more.
please... H- He d-
did next door.
SAM
We must get him
inside. I'll kill
that swine if I get
my hands on him!
INT. SAM'S HOUSE DAY
Sam and Freeman help Thomas
inside.
EXT. SAM'S YARD DAY
Freeman returns to the sewing
machine
MICK'S VOICE
I ain't comin'
nowhere! Take your
bloody hands off me!
... Yes, a course I
done it, and so
would you if ya had
to live next to that
filthy, garbage! I
should be the one
gettin' the
police...take ya
fuckin' hands off
me, will ya! What ya
doin' Oh, no, I'm
not havin' any
handcuffs on me!
FREEMAN
(Running over to
the fence)
You can take that
bloody mongrel away
and lock him up for
life. He's scum, if
ever I saw it!
SAM
Freeman! Come away
from that fence.
Hasn't enough damage
been done already?
INT. SAM'S HOUSE DAY
FREEMAN
How's Thomas?
SAM
He'll be alright.
He's lying down.
Where did you buy
that sewing machine
from?
FREEMAN
I bid for it.
SAM
How much did you pay
for it?
FREEMAN
Two pounds.
SAM
Does it work?
FREEMAN
It will when Thomas
fixes it.
MICK'S VOICE
(Coming from
outside)
I'll be tellin' me
Ma about this police
business. We're
goin' to get those
bloody foreigners
next door removed
once and for all.
And would ya mind
removing these
bloody handcuffs?
Wish I'd killed that
old imbecile!
Sound of police car driving
away.
Mick can be seen sitting in
the back.
Thomas comes out of his room,
His head is bandaged
THOMAS
Ah! A sewing
machine.I remember
now, my mother had
one. Does it go?
FREEMAN
I don't know yet.
If you could fix it
up to work, we'll
sell it and go
halves in the
money.
Thomas begins tinkering with
the machine. He takes a piece
of rag and begins sewing
FREEMAN
It goes, now we can
be in business!
Freeman goes out of the room
in great excitement.
EXT. SAM'S YARD NEXT DAY
Sam and Thomas are carrying
some heavy boards through the
gate. It's raining rather
heavily.
SAM
This doesn't get any
easier. Each time it
seems a bit heavier.
THOMAS
It is for me too,
much harder. The
lumbago in my back
start to hurt.
Sam goes to dig around in his
small vegetable patch.
Mrs Coleman comes sweeping
through the gates in a red
coat and hat to match.
MRS COLEMAN
Well, here you are,
working in all the
filth and junk as
usual!
SAM
What is it now?
MRS COLEMAN
(Stamping her
foot)
How dare you get the
police to my son!
Look at you, filthy!
SAM
And how dare he come
in here and break up
our scrap! And hurt
Thomas like he did!
I'd rather be filthy
than a drunken thug!
MRS COLEMAN
Ha! It's a pity he
didn't finish him
off once and for
all!
SAM
You get off my
property this
minute!
MRS COLEMAN
Your property! We'll
soon see about that!
It won't be here for
very much longer!
SAM
You've been saying
that rubbish for
years.
MRS COLEMAN
Yes, well this time
it's for real,
you'll see!
SAM
(shouting)
Get out!
MRS COLEMAN
I'll be back! And
just you remember,
no more police!
EXT. SAM'S YARD SOME HOURS
LATER
Freeman jumps down from the
truck and hurries through the
gate in seemingly high
spirits. Thomas is sorting
out some scrap iron
FREEMAN
Where is everyone?
Hello!
Thomas wipes his hands with a
rag.
FREEMAN(CONTD)
I said I'd find a
bed in one piece and
I did...And I sold
it! I knew where the
bed was and I went
back for it... They
kept it for me.
SAM
What's all the fuss
about?
FREEMAN
My first sale!
Here's something to
celebrate with.
Freeman produces a bottle of
wine from inside his coat
THOMAS
Wine? I don't know
if I can drink wine.
FREEMAN
You're going to
drink this wine!
SAM
So you took my truck
to go and pick up
the bed?
FREEMAN
I wanted it to be a
surprise...I didn't
mean to steal your
truck. Damn it! One
day I'll have a
truck of my own. For
once in my life I'll
have to answer to no
one!
Freeman goes inside and
returns with three enamel
mugs, into which he pours the
wine. He hands one mug to Sam
and one to Thomas.
FREEMAN(CONTD)
Well, here's
cheers...even if I
did steal the truck!
SAM
I never said you
stole the truck. But
next time ask me
first, eh? I might
want to use it.
Freeman puts down his mug
without finishing the wine.
He's about to leave.
SAM
You get cross for
nothing. Let us
drink to the bed,
then.
SAM AND THOMAS
TOGETHER
The bed!
Freeman doesn't say anything
THOMAS
Where you sell the
bed?
FREEMAN
To another dealer.
That's business!
THOMAS
You make some money
with it?
FREEMAN
Two pounds!
THOMAS
You were lucky.
FREEMAN
I knew what I was
doing. We could have
got a lot for those
two brass bed-ends
together.
THOMAS
They are still here
somewhere.
SAM
One is here. I sold
the other one this
morning.
FREEMAN
What? You old fool!
Make money! You're
just wasting it,
that's all!
SAM
Don't you talk to me
like that! This is
my scrap yard and I
sell what I want!
MICK'S VOICE
Mad Sam! I told ya.
Ha, ha,ha!
SAM
You keep your voice
to yourself!
MICK'S VOICE
I'll have the whole
neighborhood to
meself soon.
FREEMAN
I've had this place!
SAM
I never told you or
Thomas, but one time
there was a fire
here.
FREEMAN
What?
SAM
It was before Thomas
came, the house I
have here caught
fire.
FREEMAN
No! A fire! It
couldn't be!
Freeman stands staring
SAM
The scrap I have
does'nt burn. The
metal, iron, even
tin. I built this
shack from the
pieces I had left.
FREEMAN
Leave me alone, for
God's sake!
(VO)
Fire...
Freeman suddenly delves into
his pocket and takes out a
box of matches
SAM
Where did you get
those?
FREEMAN
You have them to
light your old
stove, don't you?
This place would
burn away in two
minutes.
Freeman strikes a match and
holds it above himself,
laughing.
FREEMAN(CONTD)
You think you can
fight another fire,
yes?
SAM
I fight you, that's
what.
Freeman strikes another match
and holds it above Sam's
head.
FREEMAN
If I was to drop
this match here...
Freeman moves towards some
old rags and cardboard boxes.
FREEMAN(CONTD)
or here...
SAM
You're wicked! Stop
it!
Sam tries to grab the
matches. Freeman stumbles.
The match box and the lighted
match fall.
FREEMAN
No! No! No!
SAM
So now you try and
start a real fire!
The lighted match doesn't
catch anything and Sam grabs
the match box. Freeman
recoils nervously, drops to
his knees and puts his head
in his hands.
THOMAS
He gone mad, Sam?
SAM
He's always mad! If
he does these things
in my scrap yard, he
must go.
(To Freeman)
You hear?
Freeman nods
SAM
Come on, Thomas. We
leave him now.
Sam and Thomas go inside.
DISSOLVE TO:
FREEMAN(VO)
I'll show them.
He gets up and goes to the
truck from which he takes a
trolley which he pushes in
with a table on it.
EXT. SAM'S YARD NEXT DAY
There's an odd assortment of
furniture in the yard.
Freeman is looking it over.
FREEMAN
(VO)
Not a junkyard
anymore. The first
time I ever had a
chance to work for
myself
(BEAT)
not for someone
else...or as a
slave. God knows
what Sam will say to
this lot! All
mine...how long
since I owned
anything?
Sam comes out of the house
with some washing.
SAM
You been buying more
furniture?
FREEMAN
That's right.
SAM
Like you been doing
for the past few
weeks?
FREEMAN
It's my work now,
the best I can do
for the time being.
SAM
Thomas is working
very hard now.
FREEMAN
I think the work
does him good. He's
not so shaky
anymore.
SAM
I don't think people
recover from bad
experiences so
easily.
FREEMAN
You're so sure? I'm
alright now, and I
was sick once too.
SAM
But you still
remember nothing
about who you are.
FREEMAN
That's true. But I'm
used to my
nightmares! Even
they are getting
less and less. I
only wish I had
somewhere to store
my stuff.
SAM
There's not enough
room here for scrap
and furniture as
well.
FREEMAN
I know that. Anyway,
it looks like rain.
That old sheet
doesn't do much good
when I have to cover
this lot up.
Freeman goes inside to get
the sheet. Thomas appears
from around the shed.
THOMAS
I hear you talking,
Sam.
SAM
I talk to myself. It
helps me to
understand some
things better.
THOMAS
Freeman say he wants
to find a shop where
he can sell his
furniture.He say he
wants me to work
with him.
SAM
And what d'you say?
THOMAS
I not sure, but I
know what he's like.
I feel safe with
you, Sam, I know you
so long.
EXT. SAM'S YARD A FEW DAYS
LATER
Freeman and Thomas are in the
yard.
FREEMAN
Well, I found it,
Thomas.
INT. LARGE EMPTY SHOP DAY
There is a tune playing.
"I CAN DO WHAT I LIKE
I CAN BUY WHAT I WANT
I CAN SELL AS I LIKE
IT'S A REALLY GOOD LIFE
I'M A FREE MAN NOW"
Freeman is talking to a man,
They put the 'SALE' sign
outside. People are carrying
pieces of furniture into the
shop.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SAM'S YARD DAY
THOMAS
What did you find?
FREEMAN
A premisis.
THOMAS
Where?
FREEMAN
It's not far from
here. Only a small
place but good
enough for a start.
Come and work with
me, Thomas?
THOMAS
What about Sam?
FREEMAN
He's managed here
for a long time now.
If the work gets too
much for him, we
could take him in
too.
THOMAS
Is there enough room
for us all to sleep?
FREEMAN
There's enough room
out the back.
Anyway, I don't
think Sam would care
where he slept any
more than we do.
THOMAS
How you find this
shop?
FREEMAN
It was...for sale.
THOMAS
There was a sign to
say this?
FREEMAN
Er...yes.
THOMAS
Then you go in and
ask for it?
FREEMAN
Yes.
THOMAS
What about the
money? You got
enough money to buy
a shop?
FREEMAN
I nearly have.
Anyway the shop was
really for lease...I
wouldn't actually
own it.
THOMAS
What you mean, you
just say you bought
it?
FREEMAN
I meant it was for
lease.
THOMAS
So if we don't like
it, we can move back
here?
FREEMAN
If you like.So
you'll come and work
with me then?
THOMAS
I talk to Sam first.
FREEMAN
I thought so! Please
yourself! Talk to
Sam all you want,
but I'm going!
FREEMAN
Sam comes out with some
towels.
SAM
Are you two arguing?
THOMAS
He find a premises
to sell furniture,
Sam.
SAM
Yes?
FREEMAN
Yes.
SAM
Good for you, if
that's what you
want! Are you going
too, Thomas?
THOMAS
I don't know.
FREEMAN
We could all go
together?
SAM
I don't leave here!
FREEMAN
I didn't think so.
Just Thomas and me.
SAM
It's whatever you
think.
THOMAS
You ever sell
before,Freeman?
FREEMAN
I had no trouble
selling the bed or
the sewing
machine...But before
that...I don't know,
damn it!
SAM
When d'you move into
this shop?
FREEMAN
Tomorrow.
THOMAS
Tomorrow?
SAM
You can try it,
Thomas. Remember our
talk? You're free,
both of you.
FREEMAN
Free! That's
funny!My own
business! What's
that sound? No! No!
No! It can't be!
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. A STREET NIGHT
FLASHBACK
There is a small flicker of
light
FREEMAN
Ruth? Ruth? Is
that you? Ruth?
Mama?
Darkness. Screaming Fire
Engine screeching More
screaming and gunfire
DISSOLVE TO:
SAM'S HOUSE SAME NIGHT
THOMAS
Where is he?
SAM
I don't think he
came inside. I'll go
and see.
Sam goes to the back door and
calls.
SAM(CONTD)
I smell a lot of
smoke. There's a
fire, not far away
from here.
MICK'S VOICE
Put that bloody fire
out and shut up! I
can smell ya greasy
cooking!
THOMAS
Can you see him,
Sam?
SAM
No. Nowhere.
MICK'S VOICE
Stop that bloody
racket!
SAM
The truck's still
here.
MICK'S VOICE
I'd like to put some
nails in the bloody
tyres of that truck!
Ha! Ha! Ha!
THOMAS
Look!
Freeman appears with his face
blackened He is shaking, half
crying
THOMAS(CONTD)
What happen?
Freeman shakes his head.
SAM
Did you go out to
see the shop?
FREEMAN
Everything's gone!
SAM
What's gone?
FREEMAN
My home! My family!
My mother! All
killed!
SAM
Where you been just
now?
FREEMAN
I been there. Our
houses, they burn
them! Soldiers
shooting
(beat)
people as they run I
ran too. They caught
me! Beat me! But I
was young...strong
enough to work! But
I survived... They
would break me! Kick
me!
(BEAT)
I get away but they
follow me! That
hospital...Ruth. It
was a trick! They
even follow me here!
Keep away from me! I
should have been
gassed! But no! A
man Josef Sorrel...
they're after him!
SAM
How d'you mean? Why,
who follows you?
FREEMAN
My shop! Tonight
they burn it down.
Soon they will come
for me again. That's
the way it
happened...I
remember. The
cabinet maker I
worked for
(BEAT)
he escaped thank
God! You want to
know why?
SAM
Yes.
FREEMAN
Because he knew he
couldn't trust me!
SAM
Why?
FREEMAN
I was
afraid...terrified...I'm
sorry! So sorry!
SAM
Josef?
FREEMAN
Yes?
SAM
You remember who you
are?
FREEMAN
Yes.
SAM
But why are you
scared now? What
did you do?
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. A BUILDING NIGHT
FLASHBACK
Music is playing softly in
the background.
Josef Sorrel is smoking a
cigarette on the steps of the
building. A man approaches
him. Josef points in a
certain direction. The man
passes Josef some money.
A man is being arrested,
pulled out of a shop, beaten
with truncheons. Josef is
watching from a street corner
opposite. He walks away, his
head down.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. SAM'S HOUSE NIGHT
FREEMAN
I was scared. I
told...where the
cabinate maker was.
I needed some money.
I believed they
wouldn't take me if
I told them but they
did!
THOMAS
You tell? You tell
where people are?
You sell them out?
For money!
Freeman nods
FREEMAN
I forgot. I didn't
want to remember!
Now I do remember!
Thomas backs away from
Freeman. Sam puts his hand on
Thomas' shoulder.
THOMAS
He go, Sam! He go...
or I kill him! You
go now!
SAM
Thomas, they took
him, just like they
took you!
THOMAS
Why they not kill
him then? Eh? Why?
SAM
They didn't kill you
either.
THOMAS
You mean I don't
die! People hide
others! Risk their
own lives! He tell!
Try to save himself!
MURDERER! No
different!
EXT. MICK'S YARD NIGHT
MICK'S VOICE
Mick is sitting by the fence
drinking beer from a bottle
and smoking
(DRUNK)
If I'd been there
I'd 'ave killed the
lot of ya!
EXT. SAM'S YARD NIGHT
FREEMAN
It's true. I deserve
to die!
Thomas rushes inside then
stands at the door.
FREEMAN(CONTD)
Go ahead, Thomas.
Sam turns quickly to see
Thomas pointing a rifle.
SAM
No! I say no more
killing! We never
had a gun here
before!
THOMAS
He say this gun sell
for lots of money.
We buy it at an
auction. Now it does
its work for all
those that die!
Thomas takes aim at Freeman.
SAM
No, Thomas! You
murder just like
they did! You call
him murderer. If you
shoot him what's the
difference between
you and him?
THOMAS
Lots of murderers
run away! Still
free! He the same! I
know what happens. I
see it all. Not you,
you too clever, you
come here! People
like him sell us
out! He should die!
Freeman leaves the yard while
Sam and Thomas are talking.
THOMAS
Where is he? He not
here anymore! This
is your fault, Sam.
Always you talk. You
know everything! Now
he escape! Maybe I
shoot you instead!
Thomas points the gun at Sam.
SAM
Put that gun away,
Thomas!
THOMAS
Where is he?
SAM
How do I know.
THOMAS
You find him! I
shoot him!
SAM
I said put the gun
away. I'll get rid
of it.
THOMAS
No! It my gun now! I
find him!
SAM
You go out with that
gun, you don't come
back here!
THOMAS
I must find him!
SAM
Look, he comes, he
goes. Just like
that. How do we know
what he tells us is
true? Many people
are mixed up after
the war. He says he
finds a shop. Where?
Eh? I haven't seen
any shop around
here. The only
second- hand shop's
been closed for
years. And Ruth, who
is she? Someone he
imagines? So why
d'you worry about
him?
Sam gently takes the gun from
Thomas. Thomas goes inside
just missing Freeman.
Freeman suddenly appears in
the yard.
FREEMAN
I...I'm looking for
some second-hand
furniture.
SAM
You know we don't
sell any now. What
you see here, you
bought yourself.
FREEMAN
My home...my shop is
gone!
SAM
I cannot help you.
FREEMAN
I see my shop in my
mind.
SAM
I'm afraid you can't
stay here anymore,
Josef. It won't
work. So you must
go.
FREEMAN
I hate myself! Still
a prisoner in a way.
SAM
I'm sorry.
Freeman leaves. Sam wipes his
brow giving a sigh of relief.
Thomas comes back just
missing Freeman again.
THOMAS
I don't find him. I
talk to the woman I
see from the grocer
shop. She say she
doesn't know why I
talk about a second-
hand shop.
SAM
I don't care as long
as we are left in
peace.
EXT. SAM'S YARD. THE
FOLLOWING DAY
Sam and Thomas are working in
the yard. There is the sound
of a truck.
THOMAS
That sound like our
truck, Sam.
SAM
Go and see.
They go to the gate to see
the truck driving away
THOMAS
What we do now?
SAM
We tell the police.
MICK'S VOICE
Next time keep that
bloody truck away
from my drive!
An empty beer bottle comes
flying over the fence.
Mrs Coleman comes sweeping
through the gate
SAM
Yes, Mrs Coleman?
MRS COLEMAN
I intend bringing a
member of the
council here. Look
at it! This is what
my son has to live
next door to! I've
bought this block,
so you'll have to
clean up this filthy
mess before it's
cleared.
SAM
This mess isn't
filthy, and it's my
home and Thomas's.
MRS COLEMAN
Not for any longer.
Besides, it devalues
the whole street!
SAM
Your son's behavior
and language
devalues the street
because he's always
drinking.
MRS COLEMAN
Anyway this place is
going and so are you
and your idiot
friend.
SAM
It's you who are the
idiot! You can't see
unfairness and
injustice. You're
just blind!
MRS COLEMAN
Well, I'd rather be
blind than stupid.
Anyway, this is now
my property!
SAM
So, you get your
son to clean up your
property. After all,
he made more of a
mess of our yard
besides assaulting
Thomas.
MRS COLEMAN
That's quite another
matter, you fool.
The builders will be
starting work next
week.
Thomas comes in carrying some
lengths of metal which he
drops on the ground just
missing Mrs Coleman's foot.
MRS COLEMAN
Look what you're
doing you fool!
THOMAS
Ah! This lady again,
Sam?
SAM
Yes, and we're
standing on her
property,Thomas. She
has bought our home!
THOMAS
Where we go now,
Sam?
MRS COLEMAN
You can go anywhere
you like as long as
it's nowhere near
me. But before you
go from here.
SAM
What?
MRS COLEMAN
Make sure nothing on
this block is left
behind.
Mrs Coleman storms off.
INT. SAM'S HOUSE SAME NIGHT
THOMAS
Sam, you hear a
noise?
SAM
Yes. Probably cats.
There's a tap at the
door.
I better go and see.
Freeman! What d'you
want?
FREEMAN
Can I come in?
SAM
Of course.
Thomas comes out to the
kitchen in his pyjamas.
THOMAS
Freeman! Why you
come back?
FREEMAN
It's a long story -
I brought the truck
back, too.
(BEAT)
I nearly got
arrested! I had a
few drinks and I
fell asleep on
someone's front
lawn. They called
the police, but I
was told to get
going.
(BEAT)
So I came here.
SAM
But I don't have the
mattress anymore, I
sold it.
FREEMAN
The floor will do.
THOMAS
I no sleep anywhere
near him.
SAM
I'm too tired to
argue. You can all
sleep where you
like.
EXT. SAM'S YARD NEXT
MORNING
SAM
We have to tidy up
the yard. Remember,
it's not ours
anymore.
FREEMAN
I'll do whatever you
ask, Sam.
Mrs Coleman sweeps through
the gates, much over dressed
with a small black hat and
veil.
MRS COLEMAN
I've spoken to the
council. Since
you've never paid
any rent on this
property, they say
you should go as
soon as it's
cleared.
SAM
What are you on
about now?
MRS COLEMAN
The bulldozers will
be here before the
end of this week
now.
FREEMAN
We're entitled to
two week's notice
before we move
anywhere.
MRS COLEMAN
And who might you
be?
FREEMAN
Freeman...I don't
know the rest.
MRS COLEMAN
You're mad the whole
lot of you!
FREEMAN
I must go and get
the axe.
Sam picks up a piece of iron.
SAM
I don't care how
much you hate me,
but don't you dare
criticize the people
who haven't had it
easy like you! Now
get off my property!
Sam is still holding the iron
menacingly.
SAM
Get out, I say! Just
leave us alone!
Mrs Coleman thrusts an
envelope at him. Sam puts the
iron down and reads.
SAM
By order of the West
Ward Council, Samuel
Gross, and Thomas
Wizenberg are to
vacate the premises
at No. 31 Baxter
Street by Thursday,
April 10, 1967.
Failure to co-
operate will result
in a court order and
charges will be
laid"
SAM
What's this for?
MRS COLEMAN
You do understand
what you read
there?
SAM
Yes, but why such
short notice?
MRS COLEMAN
Because I don't want
you here any longer
than necessary.
SAM
You expect us to
take all this scrap
away in two days?
MRS COLEMAN
That's not my
problem.
Freeman appears holding the
axe.
SAM
We have to be out by
Thursday,
FREEMAN
Oh, no we don't.
Sam hands him the eviction
order.
FREEMAN
This is bloody
impossible!
MRS COLEMAN
Would you also like
a letter from the
Health Authorities?
She takes a letter from her
handbag and hands it to
Freeman who snatches it.
MRS COLEMAN(CONTD)
I really didn't want
to resort to this
but you leave me no
alternative.
FREEMAN
Christ! What's
this?..."three men
living...immoral...
no
standards...filthy..."
Why you filthy
minded old bitch!
This is absolute
shit! Even the
police will tell you
that!
Sam stands up crestfallen.
SAM
You know it's not
true...I know the
place is a
mess...But you can't
charge me with...
MRS COLEMAN
It's how it appears,
what people must
think. Sam coughs
and stumbles
forwards clutching
his chest He
collapses and lies
still.
FREEMAN
Sam!
Freeman loosens Sam's
collar
For God's sake call
an ambulance! Don't
just stand there
woman!
MRS COLEMAN
You don't have a
telephone here, do
you?
FREEMAN
Please hurry!
MRS COLEMAN
Very well, and don't
you call me 'woman,
you heap of garbage!
Mrs Coleman hurries out the
gate to the telephone booth
Freeman is sitting beside Sam
and picks up the letter.
FREEMAN
Rotten bastards!
He tries to get Sam to
breathe. Thomas comes out of
the house.
THOMAS
What's wrong with
Sam?
FREEMAN
I think he's had a
heart attack.
THOMAS
No! Sam...
THOMAS
Thomas kneels by Sam.
THOMAS
He going to be
alright?
FREEMAN
(NEARLY CRYING)
I don't know. I...
THOMAS
He not dead! No,
Freeman? I not live
without Sam...please
wake him up.
Freeman shakes his head.
FREEMAN
I can't.
THOMAS
Please, you try!
FREEMAN
I can't, Thomas.
THOMAS
Sam, Sam, please
don't leave me! Sam?
Thomas takes his skullcap
from his coat pocket, puts it
on and rests his head on
Sam's body.
FREEMAN
Thanks for
everything, Sam.
Good-bye, old
friend. I never did
thank you for taking
me in...
Sound of ambulance
approaching.
FADE OUT.
Copyright.
2003 Margaret Houghton
67 pages
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